Dunne was a huge fan of Gers boss during his playing days but is hoping to get one over Gerrard

Like many football-daft youngsters in the Republic of Ireland, Dunne grew up addicted to watching English football.

But while his team was always United, the stopper was a huge fan of the skipper of their Anfield arch-rivals.

That was something Dunne kept to himself when the Red Devils snapped him up at the age of just ten.

A decade on, he revealed his admiration for Champions League winner Gerrard ahead of Hearts’ clash with the Kop legend’s Rangers side.

He said: “I don’t want to say it too much but there was probably a poster or two on my bedroom wall!

“I had to rip them off when I went to United! Growing up in Ireland, it’s usually just one or the other. My mates are all either United or Liverpool. I grew up United but it could have gone either way.

“But just having someone like him in this league has brought so much attention on Scottish football.

“It makes an occasion like this all the better. This is what it’s all about. These are the games everybody is really excited to watch.